DIY Dried Flower Arrangements: Foraged arrangement for FREE

This step-by-step guide teaches how to create a beautiful dried flower arrangement using free foraged blooms.

How to make a dried flower arrangement
A rustic ceramic vase filled with dried flowers, including hydrangeas and red foliage, sits on a wooden table. Beside it, a lit candle rests atop two stacked vintage books with worn covers. The background features a white cabinet and a brass chandelier above.

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Get ready for an exciting adventure with today’s Handcrafted Society post! We’re diving into a creative challenge about using foraged treasures in our projects. If you know me, you know I can’t resist the thrill of foraging for flowers, branches, pods, pine cones—anything nature has to offer, and I think you will love the beautiful projects the girls created this month; they are so beautiful. Let’s see what you can make from the beauty that surrounds us!

DIY Dried Flower Arranging

Dried flower arrangements offer a timeless and versatile charm that brings natural beauty to any space. Unlike fresh flowers, dried blooms retain their elegance for months or even years, making them a sustainable and cost-effective option for your home. Their muted color palette and unique textures create a warm, rustic aesthetic that is perfect for the fall season. Plus, dried flowers require minimal maintenance, making them an ideal choice for those who love the look of a unique arrangement without the upkeep.

The trend of using dried flowers for weddings has grown in popularity, offering a unique and eco-friendly alternative for a wedding bouquet or bridal bouquet. Dried arrangements and pre-made dried flower bouquets not only add a rustic, timeless charm to the celebration but also serve as perfect keepsakes that last long after the special day.

Materials You’ll Need to Make a Dried flower Arrangement

Additional Tools You’ll Need

A rustic metal watering can filled with dried hydrangea flowers sits on a wooden surface. Nearby, various books and a lamp with a warm, glowing shade adorn the cozy setting. Framed pictures and a mirror add a picturesque backdrop.
A close-up of a flower arrangement featuring earthy tones. The arrangement includes dried brown clusters resembling berries and dried reddish-brown leaves. The background is slightly blurred, highlighting the textures of the plants.


Gathering Free Flowers and Foliage

If you’re wondering how to make a dried flower arrangement, the best way to enhance your creations is by foraging for natural materials that cost nothing. It’s a beautiful way to get outdoors and discover flower stems, bunny tails, pampas grasses, seed heads, and branches that capture the essence of nature and become the perfect addition to your designs. Gathering these elements adds a personal touch to your free flower arrangement ideas, making the creative process even more meaningful. Foraging not only inspires creativity but also brings the changing seasons into your home, offering endless possibilities for DIY dried flower decor—all without spending a dime and burning a few calories while you are at it.

A woman wearing a white sleeveless top, blue leggings, a white cap, and sunglasses is smiling as she collects orange-red wildflowers from a bush. She is crouching in an open field covered with dry grass and bushes, holding a bunch of the wildflowers in one hand.
An SUV with its trunk open showing several bunches of dried flowers placed on a blue tarp inside. The background includes trees and a clear sky.

Finding free flowers for a dried floral arrangement can be a delightful adventure if you know where to look. Start by foraging in your own garden—you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to dry flowers like hydrangeas, sunflowers, baby’s breath, and other beautiful blooms. These are some of the best flowers for drying and make stunning additions to your arrangements. Local parks can provide an abundance of wildflowers, and roadside areas may reveal unexpected treasures. Don’t forget to explore walking paths and hiking trails for fallen branches, pinecones, and other natural elements. When searching for where to find free flowers, always be mindful of local regulations and gather responsibly to protect the environment.

How to Dry Flowers at Home

There are several ways to dry flowers, but here are 4 ways that I have found to be successful for drying flowers at home. 

A bunch of dried sunflowers and other plants hang from the ceiling, with some appearing wilted and darkened. The background shows a blurred view of a window and wooden beams.
A bunch of dried lavender flowers hangs upside down, tied together with twine. The background features a rustic indoor setting with blurred greenery and wooden shelves, creating a cozy, natural atmosphere.
  1. Air Drying
    • Step 1: Gather flower options in small bunches and remove any excess leaves.
    • Step 2: Tie the stems together with string or a rubber band.
    • Step 3: Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, dark, and well-ventilated space.
    • Step 4: Leave them for 2-3 weeks or until completely dry.
  2. Pressing
    • Step 1: Choose flat flowers or remove petals from thicker blooms.
    • Step 2: Place the flowers between two sheets of parchment or absorbent paper.
    • Step 3: Press with a heavy book or a flower press.
    • Step 4: Leave for 2-4 weeks, checking occasionally until fully pressed and dry.
  3. Silica Gel Drying
    • Step 1: Fill a container with silica gel and place flowers upright in the gel, covering them gently.
    • Step 2: Seal the container and leave it for 1-2 weeks.
    • Step 3: Gently remove flowers and shake off excess gel.
  4. Microwave Drying with Silica Gel
    • Step 1: Place flowers in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with silica gel.
    • Step 2: Microwave on low heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
    • Step 3: Allow flowers to cool and remove them carefully from the silica gel.
  • A variety of pressed flowers and leaves are elegantly arranged on a pale surface. The collection includes vibrant purple pansies, delicate pink bougainvillea petals, yellow-centered blooms, and finely textured fern fronds, creating a colorful, natural display.
  • A small bouquet of colorful flowers, including vibrant pink bougainvillea, bright yellow petals, and purple blooms, arranged on a brown surface. The background is slightly blurred and includes a hint of a blue book.
  • A beige square craft frame holds a white piece of fabric adorned with pressed flowers and foliage, reminiscent of adult Easter egg ideas. The fabric features a yellow flower, a fern leaf, and two purple flowers in different corners, all arranged artistically against the white background.
flourish

Tips for caring for your dried flowers

Dried flowers will stand the test of time with a few tips and the proper care.

1. Spray them with hairspray after drying. This helps keep them from shedding.

2. Keep your floral arrangements out of direct sunlight to keep the colors deep and vibrant.

3. Store them in a dry and cool location when you are not using them. 

Tip from wendy’s craft room:


To maintain the color of preserved dried flowers, lightly mist them with a UV-protectant spray. This helps to shield the flowers from fading caused by light exposure, keeping their colors fresh and vibrant for a longer time.

Arranging your dried flowers

A large floral arrangement featuring dried white hydrangeas, red eucalyptus leaves, and various other dried flowers in earthy tones. The bouquet is displayed in an ornate, vintage-style white vase, set indoors with a cream-colored background.

Creating a beautiful flower arrangement involves understanding a few basic principles: color, texture, height, and balance. Start by incorporating a variety of colors to create visual interest and appeal, mixing bold hues with softer shades for a harmonious effect. Using different textures, like combining delicate petals with more rugged foliage, adds depth and dimension. Arrange flowers at different heights to create a dynamic flow, guiding the eye through the display and adding visual movement. Finally, balance is key—distribute the elements evenly to ensure the arrangement feels stable and cohesive, making the most of the different heights and variety of colors.

 Choose your flower container

A large, weathered, white ceramic vase with blue and brown paint splotches is placed on a wooden surface. The vase features ornate detailing along its middle and two curled handles on either side. In the background, there are books, a framed mirror, and a lamp.

 I used an old vase I picked up at a yard sale. but there are plenty of options that you probably have at home you can use, Here are a few creative tips for using household items as vases or bases for your flower arrangements:

  1. Mason Jars, Ceramic Vase or Bottles: Repurpose glass jars, wine bottles, or vintage containers for a rustic look.
  2. Teacups and Teapots: Use small teacups or teapots for whimsical, unique arrangements.
  3. Pitchers and Watering Cans: Old pitchers or metal watering cans add a farmhouse-style charm.
  4. Tin Cans and Tins: Clean tin cans make great rustic vases for wildflowers.
  5. Baskets: Line a basket with plastic or use a jar inside for a garden-inspired display.

These everyday items add character and creativity to any floral arrangement!

Adding support for your flowers

If your container allows for the use of a flower frog, feel free to use one. Since my container had a narrow neck, I started by placing a piece of styrofoam on top of it to support the arrangement.

Cut the styrofoam to fit your container.

Using floral pins or hot glue cover the styrofoam with moss. 

A large, weathered urn with ornate handles and faded blue and white paint sits on a wooden table. Behind it are an intricate mirror frame, a sculpted bust of a person, and a dark, patterned lampshade. Some books and other decorative items also adorn the table.
An antique white ceramic vase with ornate handles and faded decorative patterns sits on a wooden surface. The vase is filled with green moss on top. In the background, blurred items including picture frames and books are visible.

Create a base structure

Begin by adding dried curly willow and eucalyptus to your container to create height and structure for your arrangement. These elements provide a sturdy base and a natural framework, giving you a shape to build around. The curly willow adds interesting texture and movement with its twisting branches, while the eucalyptus adds a fresh, earthy scent. Together, they create a balanced foundation, allowing you to layer in other dried flowers and foliage to complete your arrangement with depth and dimension.

A rustic interior scene featuring a large, weathered ceramic vase filled with twigs and moss, placed on a wooden table. Surrounding the vase are various decorative items, including a book titled "Living Wreaths" and a small sign that reads "home".
A large, decorative ceramic vase with two small handles stands on a wooden table. It is filled with dry, brown branches and eucalyptus sprigs. The background features a rustic window pane and various decorative items, including a birdbath and the word "bloom.

Add other tall foliage

A white-painted ceramic vase with a distressed finish holds burgundy and beige dried foliage. The vase is placed on a rustic wooden table in front of a large window with multiple panes. Various garden tools and decorations are scattered around the area.


I selected a bunch of dried red eucalyptus leaves and incorporated them into the arrangement to add a striking contrast of color.
You can see how the arrangement is beginning to take shape, coming to life with layers of texture and bursts of color.

Filler flowers


Cudweed is a beautiful dried flower native to California that resembles baby’s breath. It’s easy to find along the roadside and simple to cut. With its soft, delicate texture and small size, Cudweed makes an excellent arrangement filler. I like to start with a base, then add my large flowers, and come back and add more.

A rustic setup displays a large antique vase filled with dried flowers and foliage in shades of white and deep red. The backdrop shows a wooden table with various decorative items, including a metal sign spelling "Bloom.

Adding the large flowers

A close-up of a bouquet featuring dried hydrangeas and other assorted dried flowers in a vintage, weathered vase with blue-green patina. The arrangement includes pale beige hydrangea petals and various small, delicate blossoms in earthy tones.
Close-up of a mixed floral arrangement featuring a large dried sunflower head surrounded by dried pale beige hydrangeas, small white flowers, and burgundy leaves. The textures and muted colors give the arrangement an autumnal feel.

Next, I incorporated a few dried sunflowers to create a striking contrast of texture and color. Then, I added several large, dried hydrangeas, their muted tones beautifully capturing the essence of the fall season.

Final details


Finally, I added a bit more Cudweed and some California buckwheat, which gives the arrangement a beautiful rusty red color and delicate texture, perfect for the fall season.

Close-up of dense clusters of rusty red flowers with small stems, creating a rich, textured appearance against a blurred natural background. The flowers' vibrant color contrasts with hints of white and green foliage interspersed among the clusters.
A close-up of a dried floral arrangement featuring light beige hydrangeas, reddish-pink clusters, and dark brownish-red leaves. The combination creates a textured and visually rich display in warm, earthy tones.
A large, ornate vase filled with a lush arrangement of dried flowers and leaves in hues of cream, burgundy, and brown stands in front of a tiled fireplace. The vase has an intricate blue and white pattern, and a bookshelf is visible in the background.

How to Make a Dried Flower Arrangement

Yield: 1 Arrangement

How to Make A Dried Flower Arrangement with Foraged Flowers

A rustic bouquet featuring dried hydrangeas, dark seed pods, and burgundy leaves arranged in a weathered, patterned ceramic vase. Set against a wooden-framed glass door and various gardening tools, this charming display will be detailed in the HCS Code update for September 2024.

Learn how to create a beautiful dried flower arrangement using free foraged blooms with this step-by-step guide.

Materials

  • One flower vase of your choice
  • A flower frog or some styrofoam to hold the flowers in place
  • Dried flowers of your choice
  • Dried branches or curly willow
  • Dried leaves
  • Moss

Tools

  • Clippers
  • Floral pins
  • Glue gun

Instructions

  1.  Choose your flower container—I used an old vase I picked up at a yard sale, but there are plenty of options you can use that you probably have at home.
  2. Create a base to hold your flowers -If your container allows for the use of a flower frog, feel free to use one. Since my container had a narrow neck, I started by placing a piece of styrofoam on top of it to support the arrangement.
  3. Create a base structure- Add dried curly willow and eucalyptus to your container to create height and structure for your arrangement. These elements provide a sturdy base and a natural framework, giving you a shape to build around. The curly willow adds interesting texture and movement with its twisting branches, while the eucalyptus adds a fresh, earthy scent. Together, they create a balanced foundation, allowing you to layer in other dried flowers and foliage to complete your arrangement with depth and dimension.
  4. Add other tall foliage- I selected a bunch of dried red eucalyptus leaves and incorporated them into the arrangement. Their vibrant hue added a striking contrast of color, bringing a pop of excitement to the arrangement.
  5. Filler flowers—Cudweed is a beautiful dried flower native to California that resembles baby's breath. It's easy to find along the roadside and simple to cut. With its soft, delicate texture and small size, Cudweed makes an excellent arrangement filler. I like to start with a base, add my large flowers, and return to add more.
  6. Add large flowers- I incorporated a few dried sunflowers to create a striking contrast of texture and color. Then, I added several large, dried hydrangeas, their muted tones beautifully capturing the essence of the fall season. 
  7. Final details- I added a bit more Cudweed and some California buckwheat, which gives the arrangement a beautiful rusty red color and delicate texture, perfect for the fall season.
© wendy
Project Type: DIY
flourish

Other Fall Projects from WM Design House

If you love this dried flower arrangement, you might also enjoy some of my other favorite fall ideas:

Fall Outdoor Tablescape DIY : Simple and Beautiful Ideas

REad it here

How to Make a DIY Rope Wreath For the Fall Season

Learn how here!

Fall Vignette with Old Books and Vintage finds

find out here



I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my latest creation with the Hand Crafted Society, where we celebrate creativity and the art of handmade design. Working alongside a talented group of bloggers is always inspiring, and I always look forward to sharing these project with you. Be sure to check out the incredible posts from my fellow bloggers below for more unique ideas, DIY tips, and beautiful inspiration. There’s so much creativity to discover, so don’t miss out!

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WM Design House
A cluster of yellow sunflowers with vibrant green leaves grows against a light-colored wall featuring a partial view of an arched window.
Sonata Home Design
South House Designs
A place setting featuring a blue plate on top of a white plate with a striped fabric napkin in between. The blue plate has a small wreath made of pinecones and a brown ribbon, with a name card reading "Kelly." The setting rests on a woven placemat and a wooden table.
Live Laugh Rowe
A display of various dried flowers, including hydrangeas and grasses, along with pinecones and gourds is arranged artistically on a white surface. The text "Handcrafted Society" is overlaid on the upper left corner of the image, marked with HCS Code for September 2024.
A decorative display housed under a clear glass bell jar. Inside, there are dried orange flowers, green moss, and natural twigs arranged creatively around a rustic cylindrical base, resembling a tree trunk. The jar is placed on a round wooden board.
White Lilac Farmhouse
A wooden table displays a floral arrangement of orange and yellow flowers in a rustic, twig-wrapped vase. Next to it is an antler, a textured dark ball, and an ivory candle in a glass holder, all situated on a round wooden tray.
Thistle Key Lane
A vibrant bouquet featuring a large yellow sunflower at the center, surrounded by red and purple flowers, small yellow blooms, and lush green foliage. The mix of colors and textures creates a lively and cheerful arrangement.
The Crowned Goat
A large, circular wreath made of dried, straw-like material hangs on a dark-colored door. A realistic black crow figure is perched at the bottom of the wreath. The crow is looking to the left, contrasting starkly against the light-colored wreath. It’s labeled under HCS Code for decor in September 2024.
An Organized Season
A decorative vase filled with a dried flower arrangement, featuring neutral-toned and burgundy flowers, sits on a stack of two books. A lit candle also rests on the books. The background includes a doorway. Titled "How to Make a Dried Flower Arrangement with Foraged Flowers," this image exudes charm and elegance.

Did you make this craft?

We would love to see what you have created, so mention us @wmdesignhouse or tag us using #wmdesignhouse so we can see your creations!

More about me!

Wendy

Hello, I’m Wendy – a dedicated homemaker with a deep passion for decorating, gardening, cooking, and crafting. I find joy in harmonizing beautiful elements to fashion a space that is both comfortable and inspiring. I will help you create a beautiful home, one project at a time.

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9 Comments

  1. All of your arrangements are gorgeous, Wendy! I loved learning all of the different ways to dry flowers. I’m looking outdoors with new eyes for free decor!

    Reply

  2. You have a knack for finding foraged flowers, drying them, and arranging them. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and beautiful fall arrangements with us.

    Reply

    1. That is so sweet of you, Kelly. Thank you! I learned so much from my mother as a young girl. I credit my love of flowers and creating arrangements to her.

      Reply

  3. Gorgeous dried flowers Wendy! I like the idea of using styrofoam as a base to create the arrangement. Such a helpful tip, and one I will put to good use. Thank you for the lovely inspiration my friend!

    Reply

  4. Oh Wendy! I absolutely love this. I love using died flowers and naturally dry some around the house but it was great learning all the other techniques you shared here. Hope all is well. XO- MaryJo

    Reply

  5. Wendy, this is such a gorgeous flower arrangement and the fact it was free makes it even better! The dried flowers are perfect for fall. Thanks for sharing all your great tips!

    Reply

  7. All these layers of texture are gorgeous, Wendy! I’ve never tried to dry my own flowers but I’ve always wanted to so I really appreciate the simple directions. It feels like the perfect way to transition from summer to fall. Big hugs and thanks for all you do to put these fabulous hops together, CoCo

    Reply

  8. Wendy, your flower arrangement is pretty, and love that it was made with items from the yard. You have to love free!

    Reply

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